Oxford, Mississippi - One of the more well-known college football programs in the nation, Ole Miss, is now considered to be fully protected against the coronavirus as they gear up for the 2021 season.

The Rebels from Ole Miss, or The University of Mississippi as it's formally called, are now 100% vaccinated.

Earlier this week, all 240 players, coaches, and staff united to become the first football team, college, or pros to be completely inoculated from Covid-19 since vaccinations have become so widely available. And for their sake, it couldn't have come at a more opportune time, as the school is located in one of the United States' current Covid hotspots.

What's even more striking is that this college football team from Mississippi, where Covid-related prevention measures have been extremely controversial, has actually taken a stand to against whatever logic (or lack thereof) their state is using. It's a progressive move as cases rise in a part of the country that has the lowest percentage of its population vaccinated – just 41.6%.

Head coach Lane Kiffin (46) not only leads his team on the field but off of it to ensure his team can safely play on schedule since the Southeastern Conference (SEC) currently has no plans to reschedule any games due to forfeit. In college football, a game lost even if it's not been played can make or break even a chance at being considered for January's four-team playoff bracket.

"Nobody wants to be in a position to forfeit games," Kiffin told the Associated Press.

While Ole Miss has now set a new standard in college football, there are others in the NCAA world who are pushing for better health and safety. The top-ranked team in the nation and SEC rivals, the Alabama Crimson Tide, was said recently to have around 90% of their players vaccinated.

And SEC commissioner Greg Sankey stated during SEC media days in July that all SEC teams that reach the required 85% threshold will be able to forego regular testing and other Covid-related protocols, a guideline that should encourage a widespread move to protect against the virus.

The Ole Miss Rebels start their season going up against the University of Louisville Cardinals on September 6.